A reported $4.7 million funding cut facing homelessness service Youturn will not immediately go ahead, according to Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.
Reports from Queensland Parliament’s Estimates hearings suggested nine homelessness organisations across the state could face funding reductions totalling $42 million under the Immediate Housing Response (IHR) program, with Youturn in Tewantin among those named.
Ms Bolton said she had since been advised that Youturn’s IHR funding would continue for the next year and claims that the service would lose six frontline staff were incorrect.
“From my understanding, the IHR funding will continue for the next 12 months, ensuring emergency housing supports and the staff delivering them will continue during that period,” she said.
The Noosa MP said discussions were continuing between homelessness organisations and the Queensland Government about a longer-term replacement for the IHR program, including initiatives focused on tenancy sustainment, head leasing and supportive living.
“What is now needed is a clear plan outlining what program and funding will replace the IHR program, the timeframe for implementation, and how the transition will be managed,” she said.
Ms Bolton said any future replacement program must deliver better outcomes for frontline workers, families and vulnerable residents struggling to access secure and affordable housing.
“There has been some further positive news, with funding for the Enhanced Outreach Program, which provides intensive on-the-ground support to people sleeping rough, extended for three years, an improvement on the previous two-year funding arrangement,” she said.
Youturn has also recently received a two-year Mobile Support contract supporting young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The program aims to help young people establish and maintain a tenancy while connecting them with services including temporary accommodation, employment, education, counselling and family support.
Ms Bolton said recent media reports appeared inconsistent with comments made by the Housing Minister, who previously announced three-year funding agreements for homelessness providers through to June 30, 2028.
“It has been a relief to find that the assurances provided by the Minister have, for the most part, been upheld, giving greater certainty to organisations such as Youturn that play a critical role in supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the Noosa Electorate at a time of growing demand,” she said.
Ms Bolton said more temporary and transitional accommodation was still needed while longer-term housing projects were delivered.
“Our organisations and services are already stretched to capacity, and as I have raised many times, it is vital that temporary and transitional accommodation be increased until permanent housing projects are realised,” she said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Public Works said the Queensland Government remained committed to supporting people experiencing housing insecurity and working with specialist homelessness services.
“The intent of the Immediate Housing Response (IHR) program is to provide short term temporary accommodation to those most in need and that has not changed,” the spokesperson said.
“The Government is focused on ensuring IHR remains a temporary and emergency measure while at the same time helping transition people into longer term housing outcomes.”
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The department said it continued to work with providers to support clients moving into longer-term housing, including through social housing applications and private rental assistance.
It said $3.4 million had been committed in 2026-27 to deliver housing and homelessness services across the Noosa electorate, including emergency accommodation, specialist support and pathways into long-term housing.
“The IHR program is demand-driven, and the Queensland Government has committed funding beyond 2026-27,” the spokesperson said.
“The program will continue to be monitored and reviewed to ensure funding levels remain aligned with demand and service requirements.”
Youturn was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
